Ibsley airfield
Explore
Ibsley airfield
[OS grid ref: 1508]
Ibsley is located on the very western edge of the New Forest National Park, midway between Fordingbridge and Ringwood.
It played an important role in the war and was a major base for Spitfire and Typhoon fighters. Today, Ibsley is a water based nature reserve managed by Southern Water and although none of the airfield remains, the control tower does, albeit in a state of disrepair*.
Away from the airfield site on a tree-covered hill the remains of Battle Headquarters can still be found, a stark reminder of the area’s wartime history.
Ibsley can also boast a movie-making credit – in 1942 the film First of the Few, starring David Niven, was shot on location at the airfield while it was in service. Now a wartime classic, the film follows the story of the legendary Spitfire, its development and its heroic pilots.
*There has been word of the control tower at Ibsley getting renovated, but whether this happens or not remains to be seen. It would be a great memorial if so. The website of the RAF Ibsley Historical Group is the place to watch for any developments there.
While airfields such as Ibsley have their own memorial plaques, a much larger wartime memorial dedicated to all the servicemen and women (from home and abroad) of the New Forest airfields was uncovered at Holmsley airfield in August 2002:
*There has been word of the control tower at Ibsley getting renovated, but whether this happens or not remains to be seen. It would be a great memorial if so. The website of the RAF Ibsley Historical Group is the place to watch for any developments there.
While airfields such as Ibsley have their own memorial plaques, a much larger wartime memorial dedicated to all the servicemen and women (from home and abroad) of the New Forest airfields was uncovered at Holmsley airfield in August 2002:
This memorial is to be found at the western end of Holmsley South airfield, now Holmsley campsite, just off the main A35 Lyndhurst-Christchurch road. The OS grid reference for the memorial is SU212989.
book.
All-Weather Exploration in New Forest
Adventure often means contending with unpredictable weather, from sudden rain showers to chilly, foggy mornings. The weather can change quickly, creating challenges for your outdoor plans and vehicle. Therefore, how should you prepare for an
Discover Hidden Trails for a Memorable Hiking Adventure
Want to discover hidden trails for a memorable hiking adventure? Explore the secluded paths of New Forest National Park for an unforgettable hiking experience. Navigate through ancient woodlands and open heathlands to uncover the park’s
A Guide to Camping, Fishing, and Embracing Nature
Venturing into untamed landscapes offers a rare sense of freedom, detaching you from daily routines. Imagine greeting the dawn surrounded by nature’s chorus, enveloped by foliage and open skies, with endless possibilities awaiting your discovery.
Cycling Through National Parks
Love cycling through national parks? Imagine the soft hum of bike tires on a winding path under blue skies, with the scent of pine needles in the air and a deer glimpsed in the distance!
Forest Camping Adventures with Your Dog
Picture taking a spontaneous walk through the wild New Forest with your pet, where every sniff and paw print tells a unique story in nature’s vast manuscript. The New Forest offers beautiful scenery and friendly
Charity Events to Take Part in
Charity Events to Take Part in Around the New Forest If you are ready to do something good and make a difference in the world, you will be pleased to hear that there are